Thursday, November 12, 2009

The last few weeks have seemed like a blur. Instead of updating the blog during each shift, I told myself I would try to get to it the day after. That approach has failed as well so here is a brief recap of the last couple of cycles and I apologize for the long delay.Last day of last cycle we had a structure fire in Garden City E11 pulled up and found heavy fire on side C and heavy smoke on Side A. E6, L1, M6 were on initial dispatch with E8, E1, Co 61 and M1 were the working fire crews. I was unable to get any fire shots but here are a few after the fact.

Chief Beckner and Lt. Randy Smith

E6 crew

The picture with Company was difficult to see but has been sent off to get some work done on it thanks to a friend of a friend.

Earlier in the evening we had the pleasure of being a part of the annual Fire Awareness Art contest. This included getting the station ready and setting up tables and making it look festive. Despite what Joe says, he really does like having his picture taken. Hunt checks Joe's reflexes and Joe didn't flinch

Before our guests arrived, we grabbed a quick dinner and were surprised how well JJ cleans up. JJ has been on 40 hours assisting with the interview process.

Chief and Lil chief showed up and despite what Chief Tartaglia will tell us, the puppet's name is not Sully.

Two buds Randy and Joe were ready to do their part and represent the city in their pretty blue shirts.

The award banquet started with introductions of the winners and their art teachers.

Here are just a few of the Art winners pictures.

Art show winners gathered at the front for a standing ovation.

Serving line for art dinner

The winners cake was almost too pretty to cut.

After dinner several of the families wanted tours of the station and the trucks. Joe can teach FF 5 when he gives a tour of the engine and the certificate will be delivered to each when they pick up their art. JK Joe!

Earlier in the day we had a call for smoke inside Fishburne mansion. Lt Conners and Ladder 1 services were requested inside.

A light fixture was the culprit and units cleared shortly.

Tim Parry visited the station today.

Last cycle we did some Pump training over at the civic center with Eng 4.

The wall gang PJ, Randy and Hunt soaking up some rays and telling stories.

If any one has every been down town you may have seen our friend "Coolio" He is the master of bizarre wardrobes and he changes at least three time a day. If you see him give him a wave and wait for the return sign. Look closely he is showing you a cross.

I was a little freaked when he first gave the sign.

Company 1 was sent down to the "old house" Historic #1 preparing for some elected officials to use the station for it press event. JJ cleaning Station 1's brass.

Hunt flexes Franklin County muscle!

After cleaning Station 1 the crew headed downtown to get some some stuff from the market.

Conners seems satified after lunch.

Cluster meeting was held at number 6

Ladder 1 at cluster after a "cut job' on 220Becky and Conners

Randy and a "5 dollar cup cake" what is it about Randy and his love for sugar snacks???

Station 2 responded Spring Hollow for a working fire. All of the crews that responded will tell you that the smoke could be seen from whereever they were at when they were dispatched. Upon arrival, the companies found a shed in the back of the house.

E2 crew made a quick attack and knocked it down.

Breck the comedian as always or maybe he just does that when the camera comes out.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

We would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support over the last week during the illness and loss of our great friend and Captain. The following people were instrumental in helping Chris and honoring his memory:-RMH ER staff including the CT and MRI staff-RMH NTICU-Roanoke Fire EMS Admin. staff-Captain Wines and LT. Fleitz for writing an detailed recap of Captain Brown's career-Oakeys Funeral home-Jordan Framing (for framing all of the collages seen at the funeral home)-First Baptist Church-All the Roanoke Fire EMS personel who cleaned Station 1 from top to bottom inside and out, including all of the trucks-All of the off duty Firefighters from Roanoke County and Salem who staffed Roanoke city stations to allow City personel to attend the funeral. Station 9's blog has a complete list.-All of the Roanoke City Police Officers who manned every intersection along the route.-the Honor Guard-Lynchburg bagpipes-Roanoke City Dispatch-Chung Price and his catering team-Zac Beckner for his video presentation-the personel who cleaned up after the receptionAnd lastly, the three who were there for the family's every need, and who will be mad for our mentioning their names, Jamie Brads, Toby Bedwell and JJ PriceWe sincerely hope we haven't neglected to thank anyone.

If you ever worked for, or with, Captain Brown you would be able to tell a story about how fair he was to everyone, or how he took the time to teach you something or learn with you to make you both better firefighters, leaders or people. Captain Brown took time with each one of his firefighters or officers getting to know them as employees and human beings. The short time he was on this earth, he made a huge impact. Captain Brown did not ask his men to do something that he would not do and that was When you tried to get the broom, mop, flash light or tool away from him you were going to get a battle. He thrived on making this department the elite and it was contagious if you worked for him.